Teen Emotions and Motivation
Teens procrastinate more because their ability to manage this is still developing.
Emotions
This word means to attempt to explain or justify (one's own or another's behavior or attitude) with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.
Rationalize
Parents (students) should focus on this—what emotion their teen is avoiding—instead of what task they’re avoiding.
Underlying emotion
The author procrastinated writing her article by using which electronic device?
Her phone
This word describes putting off tasks despite knowing they need to be done.
Procrastination
This short-term emotional relief is the main reason people procrastinate, even if it hurts them later.
immediate mood improvement
The process of managing feelings so they don’t overwhelm behavior.
Emotional Regulation
Avoidance reduces unpleasant emotions in the short-term but increases them over this period.
the long term
The author’s client is described as being this type of student.
High-achieving
According to Dr. Crossfield, procrastination is not caused by laziness but by this deeper issue.
difficulty regulating emotions
Labeling a teen as “lazy” does this to their motivation.
Reduces motivation
The act of staying away from a situation or feeling that causes distress.
Avoidance
Parents can motivate teens by offering this for small accomplishments.
Small rewards
The author states that she procrastinates when she feels this way about her writing.
Uncertain or Insecure
People often procrastinate to avoid this uncomfortable feeling triggered by a task.
anxiety
The author’s client avoided homework because it triggered this emotion related to being behind.
anxiety
The drive or desire that leads people to take action.
Motivation
Setting smaller, achievable goals can increase this positive feeling that fuels motivation.
Sense of success
This type of procrastination involves doing something useful instead of the main task.
Productive procrastination
True or False: Procrastination is a personality flaw.
False
The article suggests focusing on this instead of calling a teen lazy.
the emotion they are avoiding
A coping strategy that may relieve stress in the short term but causes problems long-term.
Maladaptive
The author’s example goal for her client was to complete this small part of her homework.
One math problem
The author admits she has not found a complete solution to procrastination but encourages this instead.
Compassionate Awareness and emotional regulation
This is the main reason people choose to procrastinate—because their desire for this outweighs their long-term goals.
better short term mood